The mood of the moment:Early detection and measurement of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents in a Dutch public health setting

In the Netherlands, child (mental) health care professionals screen for anxiety and depressive disorders in schoolchildren and adolescents and refer them to an effective intervention when needed. Screening is defined as the identification of a disease at an early stage or a previously unrecognized disease by the application of tests. Screening has two aims: a humanitarian and an economical aim. Although screening seems beneficial, it can cause harm as well. To prevent adverse consequences of screening, Wilson & Jungner described ten preconditions for screening in a public health setting. W... Mehr ...